THE family of a sailor whose body was found after a major search have paid tribute to a “beloved husband, father and grandfather”.

Thomas Tyrrell failed to return after setting off from Brevig on the Isle of Lewis in his home-made vessel on Tuesday morning.

His boat was found off the Western Isles yesterday and his body was recovered nearby.

Stornoway Coastguard launched a major search after a call from concerned relatives at about 8pm on Tuesday night.

A host of lifeboats and helicopters were involved and the submerged boat was found in the Minch area yesterday morning.

In a statement issued through police his family said: “Now that family are aware, we confirm that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Thomas Tyrrell was found deceased yesterday afternoon following a land and sea search.

“We would like to point out that Thomas had and was wearing his life jacket when found.

“We would like to thank all emergency services - Coastguard, RNLI, Hebrides Search and Rescue Team and Police for their efforts and for finding Thomas.

“We now respectfully request that we are left to grieve the loss of Thomas in private.”